The rhythmic thud of boots hitting the ground, accompanied by a soul-stirring melody, resonates through the disciplined ranks of the Assam Regiment of the Indian Army. This regiment, renowned for its ferocity and unwavering dedication, stands tall among its counterparts. Emblazoned with the resounding tagline of "Tagde Raho" (Stay Strong), the Assam Regiment has etched a saga of valor since its inception in 1941, a tale as compelling as the anthem that accompanies its march.

Lt. Col. Ross Howman, the visionary architect behind the formation of the Assam Regiment, raised it with a singular purpose – to assert the dominion over the then undivided state of Assam. In the crucible of conflict, the regiment's mettle was swiftly tested just six months after its establishment. Summoned to defend the critical oil fields in Digboi, the Assam Regiment displayed unwavering resolve and courage in the face of adversity.

As the shadows of World War II loomed large, the regiment faced a pivotal moment in 1944. With the specter of a Japanese invasion haunting the eastern frontier, the Assam Regiment was strategically repositioned to Jessami and Kharasom. Here, amidst the rugged terrain and under the looming threat of an enemy advance, the regiment orchestrated a determined stand to impede the progress of the Japanese forces.

For their indomitable valor exhibited at Jessami and Kharasom, the Assam Regiment earned well-deserved battle honors. However, it was during the historic defense of Kohima that the regiment scripted its most defining chapter. The capture of Ardura stands as a testament to their prowess on the battlefield. In the crucible of war, the Assam Regiment earned 71 gallantry awards in its inaugural operation, a remarkable feat that underscored their commitment to duty. Additionally, they proudly adorned six battle honors, a recognition of their pre-independence achievements.

The legacy of the Assam Regiment is not merely confined to historical laurels; it reverberates through the cadence of a beloved marching song – "Badluram ka badan." This anthem encapsulates the spirit of the regiment, narrating tales of sacrifice, triumph, and unwavering commitment. As we delve into the origins of this marching song, we unravel not just a musical piece but a cultural artifact that binds the regiment in a harmonious cadence of shared history and pride.

But the tagline and their track record is not the only unique thing about this regiment. It is, in fact, their battle song. A gripping and emotional song that haunts your mind way after the notes have died and the air is silent.

Beyond the battlefield accolades and the resounding "Tagde Raho" that reverberates in their ranks, the Assam Regiment's uniqueness extends to a haunting melody – a battle song that transcends time and echoes through the corridors of history. This poignant anthem, titled "Badluram Ka Badan," is more than a mere musical composition; it is an emotional journey that lingers in the mind long after the last notes have faded, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who hear it.

The song is called Badluram Ka Badan and is based around an erstwhile soldier in the Assam Regiment called Badluram. The lyrics of the song echo the sacrifice that this soldier and many others made in the wars that they were a part of.

At the heart of this musical masterpiece lies the persona of Badluram, an erstwhile soldier in the Assam Regiment whose story becomes the lyrical tapestry of the song. Through its verses, "Badluram Ka Badan" weaves a poignant narrative of sacrifice, immortalizing not just the individual Badluram but all the unsung heroes who stood shoulder to shoulder in the crucible of war. The lyrics serve as an eloquent tribute to the valor and sacrifice of soldiers, a testament to the indomitable spirit that defines the Assam Regiment.

The song is a way to remember these fallen, these greats who gave their lives for a cause higher than them.

"Badluram Ka Badan" is not merely a melody; it is a solemn pledge to remember and honor the fallen. It stands as a reverent homage to the greats who, in the pursuit of a cause greater than themselves, made the ultimate sacrifice. In each note and every haunting refrain, the song becomes a vessel for collective memory, ensuring that the legacy of these brave souls endures beyond the pages of history. It is a musical ode that transcends time, resonating with the solemnity of remembrance and gratitude for those who gave their all for a cause they held dear.

The legend goes like this: When the regiment was under siege at Kohima by the Japanese, they were under heavy attack. There was no way out, no way to get more supplies. But, they survived. And the only reason they did was that before the siege, their quartermaster was drawing supplies for soldiers who had already been martyred.

In the crucible of war at Kohima, the Assam Regiment found itself besieged by the relentless onslaught of the Japanese forces. In the face of heavy attack and with no apparent escape route, the situation seemed dire. The supply lines were severed, and the specter of scarcity loomed large. Yet, against all odds, they survived. The key to their resilience lay in a strategic move made before the siege unfolded. The regiment's quartermaster, foreseeing the challenges ahead, had been drawing supplies for soldiers who had already become martyrs. This foresight and sacrifice laid the foundation for the regiment's survival, turning the tide in their favor.

As a result, they had a surplus and were able to wait the siege out and plan out their attack without the scarcity of food.

The surplus of supplies, a testament to the strategic foresight of the quartermaster, became the lifeline for the besieged regiment. With ample provisions at their disposal, they could endure the siege, patiently biding their time and meticulously planning their counterattack. The absence of scarcity became a strategic advantage, allowing the Assam Regiment to navigate the challenges with resilience and determination.

The sacrifice of their fellow men and the ingenuity of the quartermaster was the only reason that the fledgling regiment survived and is what it is today. It literally owes its existence to the Badluram and it’s no surprise that they consider the rations his gift to them.

The survival and subsequent flourishing of the Assam Regiment find roots in the sacrifice of their fallen comrades and the ingenious foresight of the quartermaster. The regiment, in essence, owes its very existence to the indomitable spirit of Badluram and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. In a symbolic gesture, the rations drawn for the fallen soldiers are considered a gift from Badluram—a gesture that goes beyond the mundane act of rationing, embodying the spirit of brotherhood and sacrifice that defines the Assam Regiment.

The legend of the Assam Regiment at Kohima illuminates a profound truth about sacrifice—the fundamental reason behind it and the enduring value it holds in the hearts and minds of those left behind. The sacrifice made by individuals like Badluram becomes a beacon, a guiding light that shapes the ethos of the regiment. It is a narrative that transcends the battlefield, resonating with the deeper understanding that sacrifice, in its truest form, is a gift that echoes through time, shaping the destiny of generations to come.

In the annals of wartime sacrifice, the story of Badluram, a jawan in the Assam Regiment, unfolds against the backdrop of World War II in Japan, during a time when India was still under British rule. The narrative takes a poignant turn as we delve into the actions of the regiment's quartermaster. According to protocol, the quartermaster was tasked with reporting the deaths of soldiers to the authorities, leading to the cessation of rations for the fallen. However, in the case of Badluram, an exception was made. The quartermaster, whether by choice or an oversight, retained Badluram's name on the roster, allowing the fallen soldier to continue receiving rations. The reasons behind this act, whether deliberate or forgetful, add layers to the tale of sacrifice and resilience.

As the platoon faced the harrowing reality of being surrounded by Japanese troops that had entered India in 1944, the consequences of the quartermaster's actions became profoundly significant. Cut off from regular supplies, the extra rations drawn in Badluram's name emerged as a crucial lifeline for the besieged men. This surplus sustenance played a pivotal role in ensuring the survival of the platoon through the challenging siege. The lyrics of the anthem, "Badluram ka badan zameen ka neeche hai, toh humey uska ration milta hai," encapsulate the essence of this narrative, acknowledging that even in death, Badluram's sacrifice continued to nourish and sustain the regiment he once served. The song became more than a melody; it became a living testimony to the resourcefulness born out of sacrifice, echoing through the ages.

The universality of "Badluram ka badan zameen ke neeche hai" extends far beyond the borders of India, showcasing its impact on a global scale. In a heartening display of camaraderie, a group of Indian soldiers found resonance in their American counterparts as they jointly sang the Army's favorite marching song during a joint military exercise in the US. This cross-cultural union, where soldiers from different nations harmonize in song, underlines the power of shared experiences and common anthems to bridge gaps and foster understanding among military personnel worldwide. It exemplifies how the spirit encapsulated in a single marching song can transcend geopolitical boundaries, creating a moment of unity and shared identity.

In July, social media witnessed a viral phenomenon that captivated audiences worldwide. A video surfaced on Twitter, featuring a drill sergeant in Nagaland leading his troops in a unique drill to the tune of '"Dhal gaya din...," a 1970s hit song featuring Jeetendra and Leena Chandavarkar in the film Humjoli. The soldiers marched in unison, accompanied by quirky additions to the song, injecting humor and a sense of camaraderie into the drill. The video's virality underscored the universal appeal of music in fostering camaraderie and morale within military ranks. It serves as a testament to the enduring power of shared cultural references, even across decades and continents, to uplift spirits and forge connections in the most unexpected of settings.

Months after the heartwarming display of camaraderie during a joint military exercise in the US, a group of Indian soldiers once again found harmony with their American counterparts, this time singing the Indian Army's cherished marching song, 'Badluram ka badan zameen ke neeche hai.' The video capturing this cross-cultural moment quickly gained traction on social media, sparking conversations and resonating with audiences globally. This continued embrace of the marching song in international military settings emphasizes its enduring significance and ability to forge connections, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.

Amidst the global conversations around military actions and geopolitical developments, the Indian Army has been under the spotlight, particularly in the context of Jammu and Kashmir and its neighboring areas. Events such as the Uri surgical strikes, Balakot air strikes, and the post-revocation of Article 370 in the Valley have drawn international attention to the Indian Army's activities and its strategic role in maintaining peace and security. The ongoing discourse surrounding these developments has heightened the importance of understanding and appreciating the role of the military, making the singing of 'Badluram ka badan zameen ke neeche hai' even more poignant as it symbolizes shared experiences and mutual respect among soldiers globally.

In the immersive setting of Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2019, a pivotal joint military training program exemplifying the ongoing Indo-US defense cooperation at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, USA, captivating images and videos have emerged showcasing Indian and US soldiers seamlessly practicing drills together. Amidst the plethora of visual narratives, one particular moment has captured the affection of netizens, resonating deeply with the online community.

During this joint military exercise, a remarkable instance unfolded where Indian and American soldiers not only collaborated in drills but also broke into a dance, harmonizing their movements with the rhythm of a popular marching song dedicated to Badluram—a soldier in the Assam Regiment who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. This visual spectacle encapsulates the essence of camaraderie and mutual respect, transcending national borders and cultural differences. It serves as a powerful testament to the universality of shared experiences among soldiers, united by the spirit of a common anthem.

The chosen marching song, "Badluram ka badan zameen ke neeche hai," holds a historical resonance, drawing inspiration from the US Civil War song, The Battle Hymn of The Republic — John Brown's Body. The lyrics, culminating with the emphatic 'shabaash, hallelujah,' have become an iconic anthem for the Assam Regiment. This amalgamation of cultural influences and shared history is a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of music in fostering unity and camaraderie within military ranks. The soldiers' spontaneous dance adds a layer of joy to the solemnity of the moment, creating an indelible image of collaboration and shared humanity amid the rigors of military training.

Exclusive to specific military units, these marching songs serve a dual purpose in breaking the monotony and enhancing the precision of recruits during drills, as explained by an Indian Army official quoted by ThePrint. Beyond the functional aspect of maintaining cadence, these songs become a unique form of cultural expression within the military. 'Badluram ka badan zameen ke neeche hai' stands out as a testament to this tradition, weaving together history, sacrifice, and camaraderie. Its role goes beyond being a mere marching cadence; it is a living connection to the ethos of the Assam Regiment, echoing through the disciplined ranks as a reminder of shared sacrifice and resilience.

While 'Badluram ka badan zameen ke neeche hai' holds a distinctive place in the military repertoire, it is not the sole anthem of its kind. The Indian Army, rich in diversity, features a variety of marching songs, each rooted in regional and cultural influences. 'Yo Nepali sir uchali,' the Kumaoni folk song 'Bedu pako baromasa,' and the Mizo song 'Haste lushai' are among the popular marching tunes that contribute to the unique fabric of military culture. Each song, with its own cultural resonance, adds a layer of identity and tradition to the military experience, fostering a sense of pride and connection among the troops.

In a nod to the evolving nature of military music, Indian Army officials highlighted that modern military bands are versatile, capable of playing not only traditional marching tunes but also diverse genres such as jazz. This adaptability reflects a broader acknowledgment of the changing dynamics within the armed forces, embracing a blend of tradition and contemporary influences. It underscores the military's commitment to maintaining relevance and resonance with the younger generations while upholding the rich legacy encapsulated in timeless marching songs like 'Badluram ka badan zameen ke neeche hai.'